I test drove a STi V7 at the weekend and want to get one. I wanted to ask a few questions before I make a purchase.

- Can it realistically be used as an everyday car.
- What are the main things to look out for if buying private.
- Is it a very expensive car to run.

Thanks in advance.

 

all scoobys are expensive to run!

 

I already knew that and I don't know why I asked that question. The main thing I wanted to know is should an STi be used as an everyday car?

 

1 Yes the can, It's a wonderfully quick shopping car but the car really a pig, neckbreaker at 3.5Krpm without PPP or equivilent

2 Knocking from backend possible known rear Stut mount fault. Mods not allowed for Warranty, Don't worry about brake squeal "They all do that Sir". Ask someone who knows the car to go with you. FSH etc,etc.

3 Expensive!!! Front Pads from £140 supplied to £320 dealer fitted, Clutch and Flywheel from £850 - £1150 Dealer fitted 12month service £120 24month £220. I live in Town and get 160 mile 50 litres can get 230 on motorway runs. Tyres bought 2 sets in 18K miles £480 each set im a tad hard on tyres mates on first set at 17K. Insurance for an old git like me £850.

No not expensive for the amount of fun and enjoyment the the car has giving me

Tony

 

expensive to run, but priceless enjoyment each time you drive it day in day out, wish i could drive mine more often!!

 

Thanks for all the information.

I'm going to go for a TypeUK that isn't modified. The insurance quote on that was £1150 - mainly because I have to insure my wife who has 6 points for speeding.

 

Of course. It's not like it's a competition car that need constant fettling and attention. The only reasons you could possibly have for not using it every day would be practical issues, whether it's fuel economy (not brilliant at best of times, and worse if you drive hard), or simply not wanting to leave it in Sainsburys car park...

If you're talking about a Type UK or Euro market car (in which case there's no such thing as an "STi7"!), the first thing would be a full service history.

If you're talking about a Japanese import 2001MY car (which are the only "STi7's"), you should ask the seller what fuel you should run it on. If the answer is either a blank look or "petrol mate, it's not a diesel", walk away right there.

If the answer is "Optimax plus octane booster", or "Optimax, I've had it remapped by <insert name of well known and reputable mapper>, it's a big plus, as you can be pretty confident the current owner is knowledgeable and has taken steps to run the car properly.

Not necessarily. If you go to a main dealer for everything it'll cost you a bit, but you can say the same about any comparable high performance roadcar, whether it's an Evo, a quick BMW or whatever. If you get it serviced at a specialist or even DIY, they're very reasonable.

Also note that there's a lot of bull**** and profiteering involved in the modification and specialist spares business. While there are areas in which you get what you pay for, there are equally plenty of areas in which you can pay through the nose for bits that can be obtained very cheaply.

 

Apologies about getting the name wrong.

I travel 30 miles a day to work and back and it will be my main car. The thing I am worried about is I don't want to be paranoid about it everytime I go somewhere.

Could use my wifes car if we are going any where that I would be I guess.

 

No worries. The "STi<number>" thing doesn't really mean anything on the new age cars. Least confusing way to describe 'em is simply with the model year and market/type - so in your case an MY02 STi Type UK. That way everyone knows what you're talking about!

They're not that bad, no need for paranoia. Provided you don't park anywhere that'd be a natural mecca for car thieves, it shouldn't be anything to lose sleep about.

If you do have to go anywhere that'd involve leaving the car down a dark alley next to a known TWOCers house, you could always take the missus' motor.

 

take a note of all the petrol stations selling SUL in the area....

always handy.... with a 200 mile tank the last thing you need is to have to put supermarket junk in it!

Happy blasting

 

Thanks for the reassurance guys. I need to stop being paraniod and just get the car.

 

yep do that, and make sure you are nowhere near them when u fill up, on the other hand, note where all the shell stations are, and buy some shares in optimax!!

 

Bought an MY02 STi Type UK PRODRIVE a fortnight ago to replace an ordinary MY01 WRX Wagon, and to tell the difference in fuel economy it's not really that noticable 230 miles to less than 10 gallon of optimax, worked out to be about 24 to the gallon.
Well pleased, I do 45 miles a day in mine and still have enough for the week even if I boot it, GO ON TREAT YOURSELF.